November 27, 2012

Nowadays, mistletoe has become a mainstay at Christmas parties everywhere. The rules are simple: If you find yourself standing underneath mistletoe hanging in a doorway, you have to lay a smooch on your sweetie or, if you’re single, the person standing closest to you. You know it as one of the most fun and romantic traditions of Christmas, but do you know how it got its start? Read on to learn the story behind the kissing plant!

What Makes Mistletoe Special

This little bough of berries is no ordinary plant: It doesn’t grow in the ground. Instead, it lives on, and feeds off of, the bark of trees (oaks, mostly). It even thrives during the winter, when trees shed their foliage, creating a beautiful tuft of bright green leaves and juicy berries among the bare branches. The tiny berries can be either bright red or white, and the color of its flowers can range anywhere from yellow to green. Even though the berries were once thought to be an aphrodisiac that held the soul of the tree, they’re actually quite poisonous. So make sure you don’t snack on one after you’re done lip-locking with that someone special! Continue Reading…